Qantas plane delayed two hours after passenger reported security threat
A Qantas plane was delayed in Melbourne on Saturday night after passengers noticed an online 'terror threat' which some on board believe was 'a prank'.
The QF481 flight was bound for Perth and due to take off at 6.50pm Saturday night.
The flight was delayed two hours and arrived in Perth at 11.15pm (WA time).
A passenger toldNews Corp that an email had been received regarding a possible terror threat, however other passengers have disputed this saying it was a WiFi hotspot name that was the issue.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told News Corp that the pilot spoke with security staff before making the decision that it was safe to fly.
Another passenger who had been on holiday in Tasmania told Yahoo7 those on board were advised by the pilot of a possible scare involving the plane's inflight entertainment WiFi.
"The pilot said a particular passenger had gone to log on and a hotspot name has come up with one which was a scare to Qantas and passengers," the passenger who did not wish to be named said.
"The pilot made us aware and said they were going to take proper security precautions".
The Perth man said the pilot asked the person responsible for the threatening hotspot name to come forward, and in the meantime Qantas alerted the Australian Federal Police.
"After half an hour no one came forward, the WiFi covered a fair distance so could've been someone in the terminal".
The passenger said Qantas gave those on board the option not to proceed with that particular flight and they were given the option to book an alternative flight with the airline.
He said about half those on board took the airline up on their offer.
"Myself and my partner kept flying as we were reassured by Qantas that they had done their part and that security measures had taken place," he said.
The passenger said he felt it was most likely 'a prank': "Some immature person, possibly in the terminal had a (hotspot) name that caused the actual scare".
He praised Qantas staff and the pilot for their service and management of the situation.
"Qantas did everything right, we were frustrated as we just wanted to get home."
The passenger said he had no idea what the WiFi hotspot said as he didn't check.
"I wasn't told, maybe if I had've seen it I might have gotten off the flight as well.
"The main thing was that Qantas were really good and assured us it was completely fine".
A Qantas spokesperson confirmed that while the plane was delayed, there was no safety or security risk to the aircraft.
"A passenger raised a concern during boarding which was looked into by our crew and security team. They found no safety or security risk to the aircraft," the spokesperson said.
"Some passengers elected not to travel so there was a delay as bags were taken off and those passengers dimsembarked.
"The flight landed safely in Perth at 11:15pm."
